AN ELDERLY couple said they had to queue in the rain and wind to have their flu jab, and then were made to have their annual vaccination in the porch.

The husband and wife, who asked not to be named, had their injections at Kinmel Bay Medical Centre earlier this month.

The couple, aged 73 and 75, told the Journal: "The whole set-up was unacceptable to be kept out in the rain and wind. There was about 15 people in the queue also complaining. Some had walking sticks and crutches

"We were given our flu jabs just inside the first porch.

"We did not enter the medical centre and we were taking our coats off outside to have our arm ready for flu jabs

"The appointment system [for the vaccine] was hit and miss.

"We contacted them, they did not contact us."

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, said: "I have received many complaints regarding access to the flu jab this year with constituents expressing concern that they cannot access it at their local GP surgery for some weeks, but none of these came from patients at the Kinmel Bay Medical Centre so I am glad that their patients are being immunised.

"Clearly, expecting vulnerable people to queue in the rain while they wait for a flu jab appointment is unacceptable and could put them at risk so I would urge the medical centre to do what it can to operate safely while still protecting patients from the elements."

Cllr Nigel Smith, Kinmel Bay town councillor, said: "It’s unfortunate that this resident had to have their injection outside and got caught in the rain, but we have to understand we are in the middle of a major health crisis and rules need to be imposed to protect both the public and health workers."

The Journal has made attempts to contact the practice manager for comment.

The health board said the medical centre is not one of their managed practices so were unable to comment.